Brazil's Undisputed Superstar? Neymar Jr's World Cup Countdown Challenge

While Ousmane Dembele received the 2025 Ballon d'Or in the autumn months, the Brazilian sensation was lying in bed for his latest physical setback of the year - while taking part in an virtual card tournament.

The 33-year-old football star eventually placed as runner-up, securing around seventy-three thousand pounds in tournament winnings.

It was partial comfort on a day when he had to observe the player who once replaced him at Barcelona lift the award he had long hoped to win.

Since coming back to his boyhood club Santos in January, the 33-year-old forward has fallen short of expectations, attracting more attention for comparable situations than for his on-field performances.

His homecoming after 12 seasons away was intended as a chance for him to rediscover his best and, most importantly, restore a passion for the game that seemed gone after frustrating spells with Paris St-Germain and Al Hilal.

Instead, it has been generally unsatisfactory for all parties involved.

Such is the situation that the key issue being asked right now in Brazil is if Neymar will be part of the 2026 World Cup.

He's facing a deadline.

On midweek, Brazil head coach the Italian tactician announced his squad for the forthcoming matches against South Korea and Japan and, yet again, Neymar was not in it.

"The Prince", as he was dubbed when welcomed back at Santos in a nod toward the king Pele, is still awaiting his debut under Ancelotti, having been absent from the national team for 24 months.

He continues to be an fitness concern for the autumn fixtures, which, in the worst scenario, will leave him with just a pair of friendly matches in March 2026 to prove himself to Ancelotti before the announcement of the final list for the World Cup.

"But nobody wins the World Cup alone. Placing all our expectations on him at the present time is difficult because he finds it hard to even play multiple matches in a row."

Not only has Neymar had various physical concerns since his homecoming - he's been absent for nearly half of Santos' matches this season - but, when he was available for selection, he was a far cry from the player who during his peak rivaled Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Of his several attacking returns so far, five have come against teams from divisions below Brazil's first division - a scoring contribution against Agua Santa, followed by a goal and two assists versus Inter de Limeira, all in the regional competition.

As Santos fight relegation in the top division, the playmaker no longer seems to be the difference maker he previously represented.

Nevertheless, Ancelotti has asserted that the forward has ample opportunity to show he is ready for the World Cup.

Ancelotti created local discussion last month by allegedly attempting to protect Neymar, claiming the star had been omitted from the team over physical condition issues.

But then Neymar himself disputed it, saying he "was left out for tactical decisions; it has no connection to my fitness level."

In terms of fan opinion, it undoubtedly worsened the situation for Neymar.

Research from a leading polling institute found that the Brazilian public are split over whether Neymar should be called up for his fourth World Cup.

With his 79 goals, Neymar is Brazil's all-time top scorer, but he hasn't improved his situation much with his in-game attitude either.

He seems greater frustration than usual, having argued with fans multiple times in stadiums - it happened in successive games in mid-year.

The next month, the striker was left in tears after Santos suffered a 6-0 loss at home by Vasco da Gama - the heaviest defeat of his professional life.

When questioned by a reporter about his physical state in a game aftermath discussion, he showed irritation: "This topic again, friend? I've responded to this countless times already."

The identical inquiry has been posed to his father and agent Neymar Sr as well.

"Neymar's intention was to remain for a limited period at Santos. For what? To recover. If Neymar managed to play, so be it," he previously explained, causing displeasure among supporters.

There's remaining optimism, however, that Neymar's prime period haven't ended and that he will be able to resurrect his form the same way striker Ronaldo "Phenomenon" did in 2002 to surmount skepticism and physical setbacks to lead Brazil to the World Cup title.

The Brazilian great observes similarities.

"It's an exaggeration from a small group who believe he's neglecting his physical recovery.

Anyone who have been in football knows perfectly how difficult it is to return from an injury and regain rhythm and confidence. He's moving forward."

The Brazilian forward has a critical period ahead to demonstrate that he's not the prince who abandoned the throne.